Rose Parade floats on display in Pasadena through Sunday

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Alfredo Recio of Ontario, who has been a Laker fan for the last 23 years, uses his hand to form an “L” for Lakers during viewing of the Rose Parade floats Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at the corner of Sierra Madre and Washington boulevards in Pasadena. (Photo by Walt Mancini/Pasadena Star-News)

In keeping with tradition, the 44 floats that dazzled onlookers worldwide both in person and via television on New Year’s Day have been gathered for a showcase, where fans are invited to get an intimate view of the massive, brightly colored, blossom-bearing creations, each covered entirely with flowers, seeds and other plant materials.

Though stationary, the floats demonstrated their mechanical animations, along with their other bells and whistles to delight onlookers of all ages.

Though longtime viewers of the Rose Parade on television, Ignacio Godoy and wife, Barbara, said Saturday was their first time viewing the famed floats in person.

“The floats are just as beautiful as they were on TV,” Ignacio said. When viewed up-close, the painstaking preparations become even more apparent, he added.

“You can really appreciate the amount of time that goes into these artistic creations,” Ignacio said.

And the San Gabriel Mountains serving as a background on a clear and sunny day only made the scene more picturesque, Ignacio Godoy said.

The Rancho Cucamonga couple agreed on their favorite float was Northwestern Mutual’s entry, titled, “Dancing Into Adventure,” both because of it’s beauty and design, as well as the backstory behind it.

With brightly colored animals in a jungle setting, Fred Rubio of Montebello said Dole’s float “Soaring Over Paradise,” was his favorite.

He said it was his third year in a row coming out to see the floats post-parade.

“They’re a lot nicer when you get up-close to them. You can really stop and check them out,” Rubio said.

Rubio added that he enjoys the general excitement and influx of visitors that the Rose Parade, along with the Rose Bowl football game, bring into the city.

The Showcase of Floats, presented by Miracle-Gro, was first set up at Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards in the hours following the parade, and will continue Sunday. Viewing hours will begin at 9 a.m., with last entry at 4 p.m., organizers said. Seniors and disabled guests are welcome between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the event for $10 until 3 p.m., or in advance through the Sharp Seating Company at 626-795-4171. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

Brian Day has covered crime and breaking news for the Southern California News Group since 2007. He’s a graduate of California State University, Fullerton and Cerritos College in Norwalk. He loves dogs and has a pet German shepherd, which in turn, has a pet cat. Brian is a local news junkie, a licensed drone pilot and a part-time science geek with an unfortunate predilection for puns.